Search - U.K. :: Alive in America

Exciting addition to the U.K. catalog

Squire Jaco | Buffalo, NY USA | 01/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Similar to other "Concert Classics" recordings near the end of the 1970's, this one starts out with some mix problems on the first track, that are soon fixed for the rest of the cd. This should in no way deter you from purchasing this cd; it's VERY enjoyable.



This is the only place where you'll find a legal recording of all four original members of U.K. live in concert, and they sound just superb. The best thing about it is being able to hear three songs (with slightly different arrangements) from the yet-to-be-recorded "Danger Money" album being performed live with Bruford's drumming, and Holdsworth's guitar touches - neither performer was still with the band when that studio album was recorded, so this is special stuff.



You know how a lot of prog acts tend to sound derivative of other prog acts? Well, U.K. ain't one of 'em! With Wetton's strong, rich voice (and melodic bass guitar), Jobson's frenetic keys and violin, the one-of-a-kind sound of Holdsworth's guitar, and Bruford's unique jazz-rock drumming style, this band was an authentic original, forging new and beautiful music in the progressive/jazz fusion genre.



A true supergoup from the 70's that lived up to its expectations, U.K. unfortunately had only a very small catalogue of recorded material (non-bootleg, that is). So a gem like this is hard to pass up. If you can find it, be sure to snatch it up! ESSENTIAL album from one of the greatest progressive rock bands of all time.



I value interesting music that is played and recorded well. This cd's rating was based on:

Music quality = 8.6/10; Performance = 9.5/10; Production = 8/10; CD length = 9/10.

Overall score weighted on my proprietary scale = 8.8 ("4-1/2 stars")



"

Great historic value for Bruford/UK/Wetton fans

Squire Jaco | 08/20/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"THis is my humble opinion after hearing the live UK CD1. This recording finally reveals to me the disintegration between the Holdsworth/Bruford versus the Wetton/Jobson camps. It is clearly indicated that Bruford wanted to maintain the high 'Crimson' spontaneity and free-form spirit, while on the other hand Jobson sticks closely to the studio arrangements. The same goes for Holdsworth. 'In The Dead Of Night' is clearly a disaster.2. Interesting blueprints of 'The Only Thing She Needs' and 'Carrying No Cross'. I wonder how much influence Bruford gave to Bozzio to finalize the grooves. 'Carrying No Cross' showed how the basic song was intended to be (song-dramatic instrumental-song). Many parts seems to turn out to be blueprints for Bruford's 'Sahara Of Snow' and 'Five G'.3. This live recording offers much more 'raw flesh' compared to the sterile Night After Night (which I personally suspect of containing studio keyboard overdubs).The official announcement recently is that Eddie Jobson requested Renaissance Records to halt this CD's production (due legal disputes between U.K. members and EG Records who sold this tape to Renaissance). However, be lucky if you still can get a copy of it."

Excellent Performance but Mediocre Recording

Squire Jaco | 05/12/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just received this. The performances are excellent, however, the sound quality does leave a little to be desired. The notes also are WRONG, the neglect of "The Only Things She Needs", which is the third song on the disc, and the incorrect times of "Alaska" and "Time To Kill" also cries out for Renaissance Records to hire a proofreader. I also feel that the crowd is too noisy at the beginning (damn American audiences and their hooting) and it sounds as if the sound board was not properly checked at the beginning of the set. For example, Wetton's vocals are mixed down at the beginning of "Time To Kill". There also is a noticeable tape hiss during the first songs. The quality picks up noticeably during "Carrying No Cross" and I can't make those same points in the later songs, particularly "In The Dead Of Night". I really liked "Caesar Palace Blues", with the guitar - violin interplay. All in all, a very good representation of a too short-lived band."